I have experimented with much of what is listed here as fill material. I agree with Sdcampbell about the lead and sand combo, I use it in the tubular housings of my Soundlab U-1's. Silica turned out to be best for my aluminum turntable and phono stands. This is the material used for sand blasting. It's extra clean, and free of contaminants, bone dry, reasonable weighty, has sharp edges that packs like crystal inside the stand. Non toxic with normal handling, a 25 pound bag cost $21.00.
A word of caution when filling with playground sand or other gritty materials. If your stand has spikes exiting the bottom, be certain the threads are isolated from the compartment you are filling. Failure to do so will allow grit to fill the void as adjustment is made. The spike finally freezes up and cannot be turned without damage to the adjustment threads or the stand itself.
A word of caution when filling with playground sand or other gritty materials. If your stand has spikes exiting the bottom, be certain the threads are isolated from the compartment you are filling. Failure to do so will allow grit to fill the void as adjustment is made. The spike finally freezes up and cannot be turned without damage to the adjustment threads or the stand itself.